I took a pack of sugar home from the restaurant and measured it. One can of Coke contained 24 packs.

I drank 5 per day, or 120 packs of sugar, just for cokes. I quit immediately, switching to tea where I added 4 packs, and lost 25 pounds. Now, I drink tea with zero packs.

I also eliminated all snacks in the house.

I had withdrawal symptoms. My kids said I was “cranky” for two weeks.

I still add sugar to a few things, but in very low amounts. A 2-pound bag lasts almost a year.

My wife, who I married later, is diabetic and must count carbs, not just sugar, for every meal. I changed my apple pie recipe from one cup to one tablespoon of sugar, which was needed to mix the spices evenly. To calculate the size of her slice, I added the sugar, apples, and pie crust carbs and divided by her limit.

I now follow her diet. I can’t tolerate most restaurant desserts.

If I want a between-meal snack, I eat one chocolate-coated raisin. It is usually enough.